Almost new FJ1200 rider from New York

[shayes9761]

Hey Folks,

Just wanted to say HI.  I'm from around the Buffalo, NY year and just picked up a great 1986 FJ1200.  Some details on it are:

86' FJ 1200 with 40,000 miles, Bike was restored about 5 years ago. Motor and transmission gone thru by Fast by Gast in NY. Gears are back cut and it shifts smooth like butter. It has the rear Gixxer modification and the 88' front end swap (This is what the seller told me but they didn't make a 1988 in the US?). It has XJR slip on exhaust, two inch extended red chrome wind screen, tank..saddle and trunk soft bags, Corbin Gunslinger seat with matching back rest, and PIAA fog lights.

This is my second FJ.  I owned a 1984 FJ1100 about 28 years ago and have wanted to replace it ever since....so I did!!!

What do you guys think about this 1988 front end swap???

[FJmonkey]

Welcome, the 88' front end is most likely from an FZR1000. Thais is what I have on my 86', your forks are also most likely 89/90 if you have Blue or Gold dot calipers. Did the Coretech bags come with it?

[aviationfred]

Welcome to the group.   The front wheel is probably a 88' FZR1000 or FZR750R. Should have a F42 casted on the wheel. Be very mindful of the lower cowling. That is an aftermarket Lockhart Phillips cowl for the 84'85' FJ1100's. If you break it, you can not replace it with the same, (no longer produced). On a good note, it is fiberglass so can easily be repaired. With the transmission work done, looks like you found a Gem and years of Kookaloo.  

Fred

[shayes9761]

Welcome, the 88' front end is most likely from an FZR1000. Thais is what I have on my 86', your forks are also most likely 89/90 if you have Blue or Gold dot calipers. Did the Coretech bags come with it?

The bags did come with it.  Why?

How do you tell the difference between blue / gold dot calipers?

[movenon]

Welcome again, that is a nice bike.  Wonderful that most of the mods have already been done.  You are ready for spring !.
George

[shayes9761]

Welcome again, that is a nice bike.  Wonderful that most of the mods have already been done.  You are ready for spring !.
George

"Most".....hmmmmm.....what else would you recommend?

[rktmanfj]

How do you tell the difference between blue / gold dot calipers?

Welcome... nice purchase!    

Looks like from the pic that you have a later model (3CV) FJ fork, and red painted OEM calipers to me.

An brake upgrade would be to get the non-radial blue or gold spot from a R1 or YZF600, etc. (see the blue spots?):



Add a 14mm master cylinder (there are several options), and you're set.

[markmartin]

"Most".....hmmmmm.....what else would you recommend?

After the brakes are done, ---  Bar risers, Vibinator bar ends, an aftermarket rear shock, cartridge fork emulators, and CBR 250 rear view mirrors would be a good start.   Most of these can be found here. http://www.rpmracingca.com/products.asp?cat=39  .   Be careful, it's a slippery slope. :-)  

Welcome to the forum.

[red]

Welcome again, that is a nice bike.  Wonderful that most of the mods have already been done.  You are ready for spring !.
George

"Most".....hmmmmm.....what else would you recommend?

Shayes9761,

With or without upgrading the hydraulic hardware, steel braided brake lines are a great idea for the front brakes, rear brakes, and clutch.  These new hoses can be had in silver, black, and some colors.  Most good hydraulic hose shops can copy your old lines, or bike brake-specialties shops can do it for you by mail.  Be sure to get new crush washers, for the installation.  Your brakes (new or old) will be feeling better to you, and the increase in reliability over the old stock hoses will be worth it.  
If you already have braided steel hoses, you are good already.      

Cheers,
Red

[movenon]

All you need is sunshine  
George

[fuel80guy]

Welcome to the fj forum.
Im just across the border in the niagara region.
Fj Johnnie is as well as a bunch of us in ontario.
Dont be afraid to drop us a line if you ever get over to Canada.

[fj johnnie]

 Awesome bike. Someone posted the ad for that bike on here, not sure who. So I have seen it before. Don't be overwhelmed by all the advice. Ride it the way it is. Read what the majority of the guys are doing, and contemplate what to do. It could easily have a Canadian 88 front end on it, as we did have an 88 here ( Canada ) that had the same front as the 89 90.
Don't be afraid to ask questions there are many fantastic knowledgeable guys who are willing and able to help. As fuel80guy said there are guys right across the ditch with FJ's aplenty who are willing to help with any issues as well.

[shayes9761]

Don't be afraid to ask questions there are many fantastic knowledgeable guys who are willing and able to help. As fuel80guy said there are guys right across the ditch with FJ's aplenty who are willing to help with any issues as well.

Thanks.  If you guys ever make it over to Buffalo PM me and I will give you my contact info as well.  Maybe schedules will match and we can get together.

[fuel80guy]

I hear there are nice roads to ride in Pennsylvania that id like to try.

[yamaha fj rider]

Welcome and congrats on the FJ.

Kurt